See Ben Eiland speak about our approach to Dual Diagnosis.Total Recovery Calls for Comprehensive Treatment
Dual diagnosis, also referred to as co-occurring disorders, is a term used to describe when individuals have both a mental health disorder—such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder—and an addiction problem.
Both disorders have their own unique symptoms that may get in the way of your ability to function, handle life’s difficulties and relate to others. Complicating the situation, the two problems often interact and reinforce each other. To recover fully, the person needs treatment for the addiction and the mental health issue.
How we approach dual-diagnosis
At Alta Mira we believe that dual diagnosis residents must develop dual recovery programs. In other words, just as there must be a specific set of concrete and measurable behaviors and attitudes that indicate recovery from addiction, there must be a separate and equally concrete and measurable set of behaviors and attitudes that indicate recovery from the mental illness.
Complementary recovery programs
Each resident who seeks treatment for a dual diagnosis will be given a psychiatric evaluation in addition to the psychological assessment, along with a medication evaluation, monitoring, education about the illness, symptoms management strategies and increased individual therapy. These residents are taught to develop a recovery plan for their mental illness that supports and complements the recovery plan for their addiction. Together these two recovery plans allow the client to utilize a larger support network and full range of diagnosis-specific tools.
Innovative techniques available
For certain dual diagnosis clients, we offer cutting-edge psychological therapies through our partnership with Dr. Mark Schiller, founder and current medical director of Mind Therapy Clinic. Dr. Schiller was formerly an associate clinical professor of Psychiatry at UCSF and director of medical affairs of CNS Response, the developer of referenced EEG. At Alta Mira, Dr. Schiller uses various cutting edge techniques like referenced EEG, quantitative EEG and neurofeedback to diagnose and determine the medical treatment of a broad range of difficult to treat co-occurring addiction disorders, including treatment-resistant depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and adult attention deficit disorder.
Find the right program for you
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Primary Care
Start your recovery with an individualized course of clinical and therapeutic treatment (30-90 days) that addresses your specific needs and integrates your existing support system. Learn more
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Chronic Relapse
Stop the relapse cycle and pick up the recovery process where you left it. Our ReVision program takes a clinical focus on the underlying issues that stand in the way of recovery. Learn more
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At Risk Program
Address your substance abuse before addiction takes hold. Offering a mix of community support and individual care, this 14-day program will help you prepare for a better future. Learn more
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5-Day Evaluation
Gain new awareness and insight with Reflections, our comprehensive substance abuse evaluation. Receive a written clinical summary and treatment recommendation upon completion. Learn more
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Extended Care
Practice your transition back to everyday life in a safe, nurturing residential environment. This program is an excellent choice for clients who have completed primary care here or at another facility, and who seek additional support. Learn more
Dual diagnosis resources
Here are some helpful links to learn more about dual diagnosis:
Signs and symptoms of common co-occurring disorders
The mental health problems that most commonly co-occur with substance abuse are depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder, (manic depression). If you or a family member have a drug or alcohol problem and are experiencing any of the issues below you may have a co occurring disorder that needs to be treated.
Depression
- feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Inability to experience pleasure
- Appetite or weight changes
- Sleep changes
- Loss of energy
- Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Concentration problems
Mania
- Feelings of euphoria or extreme irritability
- Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs
- Decreased need for sleep
- Increased energy
- Rapid speech and racing thoughts
- Impaired judgment and impulsivity
- Hyperactivity
- Anger or rage
Anxiety
- Excessive tension and worry
- Feeling restless or jumpy
- Irritability or feeling “on edge”
- Racing heart or shortness of breath
- Nausea, trembling, or dizziness
- Muscle tension, headaches
- Trouble concentrating
- Insomnia